Natural Yeast Infection Remedies: Herbal Solutions & Lifestyle Tips

Acidophilus

Posted by Juanita Browne (New Orleans, La. USA) on 11/28/2008
★★★★★

I suffered a raging yeast infection after having to take a regime (3 months) of strong antibiotics for a staph infection a couple of years ago. Someone suggested taking Acidophillus... I took 4 capsules of the 8 Billion strength with each capsule as a maintance dose till I finished the antibiotic treatment... However, when I started on the Acidophillus treatment, I needed fast relief from the itching and inserted 2 capsules directly in the vagina 2xs a day... this really helped and gave a jump start to relieving my symptoms! I did this also while taking the capsules oraly.

I don't understand why Doctors are not savvy to this and tell their patients about Acidophillus when they prescribe antibiotics in the first place... maybe to sell higher priced Nystatin drugs thru big Pharmacital corporations!

This site is a blessing... I come here often in search of new remedies and cures! God bless you...
J. Browne

Yogurt

Posted by Brooke (Milford, Ohio) on 11/27/2008
★★★★★

Yogurt cured my vaginal yeast infection

i used to get yeast infections once a month. after bieng to the doctor and getting that one day pill 3 times i was fed up and came to this AMAZING web site. i read all the testimonals about plain yogurt and had to try it. so i had my mom go out and buy some. i layed down on my bathroom floor and spooned some on. i was amazed the itching instantly went away, i did this over 3 days along with wearing only cotton panites, ivory soap and not wearing tight pants and my yeast infection went away in a matter of a week. i love this cure because its natural and im no longer putting chemicals into my body

thanks earth clinic!

Apple Cider Vinegar and Salt

Posted by E (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) on 11/27/2008
★★★★★

After coming across this site, I decided to buy organic apple cider vinegar, and see what I could do at home to clear up my yeast infection. I had already taken a diflucan pill that I had left over from a previous YI back in the summer. So with the diflucan doing it's job, I decided to help out the external symptoms by pouring 11-12 cups of warm water into a deep dish turkey pan so I wouldn't waste the ACV in a whole bathtub. I estimated the ratio to be 11-12 cups of water to 3 teaspoons of ACV and 1/2 a teaspoon of iodized table salt. This combination was gentle and effective, to my surprise. After having suffered major allergic reactions and burns to otc things like Canesten (aaah!!!) I was once bitten, twice shy. But the ACV soak did the trick to remove the white discharge - it just flaked right off with a little massaging of the area to get it into all the nooks and crannies - and the itch was soothed. I've done the sitz bath soak in ACV and salt just three times, and by the 3rd day today, I can see the normal pink skin that should be there instead of the white filmy covering. I just have a little sensitivity left, but I'm hoping that will go away by the end of the 7 day duration that diflucan is supposed to be in effect. Also, i did purchase a dropper of oregano oil (5 drops 3 x a day) and do drink two teaspoons of ACV in a glass of water thru the day, as well as taking 3, 10 billion count acidophilus pills a day. So I'm hoping all this will do the job to restore the proper balance down there, and kill the overgrowth of yeast. Oh, and I did try the yogourt application thing, but that just worked temporarily while the yogourt was applied, and not afterwards, so I don't think I'll do that again. Hope this helps!!!

Supplements

Posted by Alfonzo (Cape Coral, Florida) on 11/22/2008
★★★★★

My wife suffered from severe and recurring yeast infections as a result of her bad diet(favorite foods-breads, pasta and cheese) and becoming overweight as a result. Both of us became very frustrated as a result of the discomfort that it caused her. She tried all of the over the counter medications as well as prescription medicines, but they all failed! I've studied herbal remedies and vitamin fuctions for years as a hobby. Somehow, I concluded that this [vitamin(A)-vitamin(E)] combination would offer the best possibility for success and sure enough it has'nt occurred again. I's been such a long time that I think that it's fair to say that it was a success.
=======================================
[DOSAGE] 2 softgel caps of each vitamin i.e.(8000iu X 2 of A) (400iu X 2 of E) puncture and squeeze into a table spoon then using a liquid dropper or needleless shringe take into the unit so as to insert mixture deep inside the vigina once a day for about 3 days. Then follow-up only at next occurrance using the same method. Infection should disappear and eventually not return again. Good Luck!
Thanks Earth Clinic!!!
Stay healthy and free!!!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Shayka (Tampa, FL) on 11/18/2008
★★★★★

I am 20 years old and I get yeast infections quite frequently. For the most parts my doctor prescribes me a pill to take which usually clears me up in a day or two. But currently I do not have insurance or money to go to the doctor. I have been suffering from a yeast infection for about 2 months now. First I tried the yogurt remedy, it soothed the itching and burning for a few days but it always returned. Then I went and bought the Monistat (spell check) from the drug store. This seemed to have cleared it up for about a week and a half. But it came back to hinder me!! I was really getting discouraged until I was searching the internet and found Earth Clinic!Yayy! I read over the comments and saw the ACV remedy. My Grandmother is constantly using ACV for everything, so I marked it as safe. First I used the ACV douche. Using a never before used douche bottle, I emptied it's original contents and measured 4 TEASPOONS of Apple Cider Vinegar (Publix Brand) then I filled the bottle with lukewarm tap water. This actually did not burn as much as I thought. You could actually see the discharge flowing from the vagina..yeah gross. Then I waited about half an hour and I wet a washcloth in warm water and then drenched it with more ACV. I then held this to the outer part of my "nookie" to ease the itching and burning. This burned SO bad! I wanted to cry. Despite the uncomfortable feeling I held this on for about 2 and a half minutes. Upon removing the washcloth it still burned like hell..but after 7 minutes everything subsided. It does really work!! ACV does leave you dry though, and smelly. I would advise to stay away from tampons and sex for a little while. And NEVER use Summer's Eve douches!!!

Apple Cider Vinegar, Coconut Oil

Posted by Bri (Baltimore, MD) on 11/13/2008
★★★★★

Coconut oil softgels and acv tablets cured my yeast infection. Take a 200mg acv tablet at the beginning of each meal and again at bedtime. Insert a coconut oil softgel in the vagina at bedtime or when you can be comfortably laying down (lounging) and 1 tbsp VIRGIN coconut oil 3x daily. The coconut oil is an antifungal and eliminates dryness, and the acv creates a hostile environment for the yeast. Get the softgel and acv tablet @ swansonvitamins.com. Bathing in and douching with acv in addition to above treatment is great while symptoms are accute, as is consuming yogurt and/or probiotics 2x daily while doing the acv/coconut oil treatment.

Yogurt

Posted by Tobey (Bellingham, WA) on 11/06/2008
★★★★★

Since I was a young teen, I have had the embarrassing white crud yeast infection over and over, starting before I ever had any sex. Doctors prescribed some of the worst colored creams you could imagine to be put into my vagina at night, and having to wear underwear and they always created a big mess in the underwear the next morning. Originally I had to use this for 7 nights. Luckily this changed to being able to buy my own tube from the store and using over 5 days, then 3. Still the mess.
10 years ago, again I discovered another bout. Someone suggested plain store- bought yogurt and since I despise medicines I tried it.

I placed one large tablespoon of the plain yogurt into my vagina right before bed, then put on my underwear to catch the ugly mess the next morning. Instead there was no mess and the PH had changed the white dicharge and yogurt had changed to clear liquid and no, I mean NO mess. It was as if I was normal and it had never happened. I could not believe it that doctors had made me use disgusting stuff when something so simple and pure as yogurt was available.
Tell everyone, please.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by April (New York , NY) on 11/06/2008
★★★★★

I'm a 33 year old woman and I've had two yeast infections in my entire life. The first was when I was 19 and the second was just recently. I got my period and shortly after it started, I started to get symptoms of a YI - itching, soreness around my vulva, swelling, burning. I figured this infection was triggered by extremem stress and the fact that I just got back on the Pill.

At any rate, this particular YI came back FULL FORCE! It was so bad I could barely concentrate. The itching was massively intense and I was so sore, I felt like I was walking funny. I was desperate and willing to try anything - and I did. First, I stopped using the tampons (since my period was on) and switched to pads. Then I went to the sore and got some Vagisil-1 (which really didn't work) and plain yogurt. I inserted the Vagisil and ate like 2 1/2 cups of the yogurt (which I sweetened with fresh berries). I gave it about 12 hours, and nothing! Finally, I decided to go to the internet and see what Earth Clinic had to offer. I had used the site previously for a case of Bacterial Vaginosis I had and the peroxide douche they recommended cured my BV!

I found lots of info on ACV but I was afraid to do the douche, so I did the bath with 1 1/2 cup of ORGANIC Raw ACV. I sat in the bath for about 20 minutes and it relieved my symptoms for about an hour but of course they returned. I had HAD IT! I was at the end of my rope and the itching was driving me crazy. I called my doctor and got an emergency prescription of Diflucan and took it that night. The Diflucan took forever to work and I really wasn't able to get much sleep that night but I was just relieved to have it in my system.

The next morning, I still had some itching but I could tell that the swelling and burning was subsiding. I was desperate and so I FINALLY decided to try the ACV douche. I got Summer's Eve that I had stashed away and poured it out. I filled the bottle with about 3-4 teaspoons of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (try the organic isle in your grocery store) and the rest with warm water. I douched TWICE! I had to say, as graphic as it is, what came out of my vagina was disgusting. It looked like rotting flesh but I know it was yeast.

From that moment on, my itching was TOTALLY gone!!!! I don't know if it was the ACV coupled with the fact that I had Diflucan in my system, but the ACV douche seemed to be the ONLY thing that got rid of the itch, which I think is the biggest culprit of the YI!

Thanks so much Earth Clinic! I am totally hooked to this site for all my ailments. I can't tell you how much money I've spent on doctor's visits, prescriptions and stuff like Vagisil that don't work. My ACV was $3.29! This site not only recommends great advice but it's good to know that others are going thru similar experiences!

Acidophilus

Posted by Niccole (Manhattan, Montana, USA) on 11/04/2008

Response to Mandi from Fort Worth.

I also dealt with constant yeast infections for about a year to year and a half. I finally went off birth control. After 2 months of being off them I felt better than I had in years! No more itching, no more burning, no more pain during intercourse. Plus, for me (and it seems the opposite for most people), I had a shorter period! "naturally" my period became only 2.5-3 days long. Heavy, but manageable. And then done with. On the pill, it would drag on for 8 days and be just enough bleeding to be an annoyance. Plus two days after it stopped, a new yeast infection would start. After being off the pill for a year, I tried going back on. Within 1 week I had the same aweful symptoms I had the year before. So I went right off it the next month. Just this past month (another year and half later) I have given the pill a third try... and guess where I am? On this site looking for more remedies to try!! An infection started last night- 3 days after the end of my period, and two days into a new pack of pills. My obvious answer is to stay away from the pill (which I had taken for nearly 15 year before I ever had problems like this). And yes, i have tried different doses and brands. But I am wanting a method of birth control that isn't permanent or requires too much preparation (i.e. diaphram). So my quest continues... I have tried boric acid suppositories (they work ok- less mess- but the infection always came back), I have tried all the doctor prescribed creams, gels, tablets and they have never worked, other than giving me a few days relief. The tablets (diflucan, etc.) only made me feel ill and upset my stomach. I have been eating yogurt everyday for the last 2 years. I went on a "yeast free" diet for a while. I am going to now try the apple cider vinegar approach. But ultimately I see myself back at the doctor's office trying to get a different form of birth control. In my experience, the only noticeable difference, and CURE, was going off the pill. So Mandi, if you can, try it and see what happens. Good Luck!

Acidophilus

Posted by Niese (Houston, TX) on 09/08/2008

Mandi: I would not continue to take too much more diflucan. I recently went to the doctor for what I thought was a yeast infection, later I found out it was a bacterial infection; however, she told me that continued long use of diflucan will eventually make your body not respond to the medicine, and when this happens it will be almost impossible to get rid of a yeast infection. The most effective thing to do is to use a 7 day cream. Old fashion I know, but it's safe and effective.

Acidophilus

Posted by Mandi (Fort Worth, TX) on 05/30/2008

I've been having a reocurring yeast infection for almost a year and a half now. (A few bouts of BV every now and then as well) I had never had either problem ever until a year and a half ago.. it's so frustrating. The only thing that really worked was taking 9 diflucan pills over the course of 3 months. But, after a few months of relief, i got another yeast infection. and, now since it's summer i guess, i've had a yeast infection since the beginning of may that won't go away. doctor gave me terazol and diflucan, it only got worse.. i tried acidophilus, but i guess i took too many a day because it made my stomach hurt! I just tried yogurt insertion. I hope it works. I don't know what else to do. I'm considering getting off of birth control as well, or at least taking it in a way where i don't get periods. Maybe that'll help. Has getting off birth control worked for many people?

Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by Shay (New York, Ny) on 11/03/2008
★★★★★

I am a young woman about 22 years old. I tried Hydrogen Peroxide half water half peroxide in a little plastic cup for a yeast infection. I was suffering for about two days from this certain one, but I have been having yeast infections for what seems like every other month and I am a healthy woman I go to the doctor take care of my body and my healths #1. I was sick of having the discomfort of monistat and all the leakage and painful burning! So i tired the peroxide mix with water. I let my tampon soak up the water still in the applicator and then inserted into my vagina I did this at night of course I also ran some of the mixture down my vagina as i sat on the toliet. I put the tampoon in for a few hours took it out ran the water over it, then soaked another tampoon and inserted it, i got instant relief and in the morning it fel really good by the next night I believed it was clear I changed the tampoons twice a day kept one in for atleast 8 hrs each night it's great not painful or itchy love it! :)

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Sara (Lexington , KY) on 11/02/2008
★★★★★

I've been having a yeast infection for about a month. With all the usual symptoms -itching -dryness -some white discharge -no odor I've had yeast infections before, generally due to antibiotics. So, naturally, I tried to cure it via over-the-counter anti-fungal cream suppositories (I think it was Monostat). From my experience, I should feel relief after a day of using this treatment. I waited about 4 days, but the treatment didn't phase my symptoms. I tried it again, waited about 5 days, still no cure. I went into a walk-in clinic, they assured me I didn't have an STD (which I was afraid of) but a different type of yeast infection that the cream doesn't cure. So, they prescribed me Diflucan (spell check) with a refill just in case. I took the first pill, waited 2 days and took the second. This didn't help me either.

I went to my regular doctor, she took a culture to find out what type of yeast infection it is. The culture took 7-10days. After the 8th day my doctor called to inform me that I didn't have a yeast infection.
Now, it's my belief that doctors are idiots. Both doctors offices took cultures yet only one said I had a yeast infection.

So, I used the old Apple Cider Vinegar method. I ran a bath a little less than ankle deep and poured about 1 1/2 cups of Apple Cider Vinegar. This did not present immediate relief, but after soaking for 30mins, my symptoms had subsided. Thank you _____ for organic Apple Cider Vinegar and thank you to my ex boyfriend who left it at my house.

There are some draw backs to this remedy. The smell is not pleasant and it made my vagina very dry. So, I recommend some sort of women's lubrication (I used Vagasil 4day moist treatment). Don't use something that's not made for women because that can cause a ph imbalance (which leads to yeast infections). I had to use the Apple Cider Vinegar method twice, once in a day. And I also drank 2teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with 1 cup hot water and honey to taste. With enough honey, it tastes like Apple cider.

This was the only treatment that worked for me. And after a month of being uncomfortable and itchy down there, I think all the women here knows what kind of relief it brings feel normal again.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Cailin (Philadelphia, PA) on 10/31/2008
★★★★★

I love my crazy mother. The random remedies that she recommends always seem to be nonsense at first, but they work EVERY time!!! I have been a huge fan of earth clinic since my mom introduced me years ago when I was a very very poor college student. ACV basically works for everything. Clears up your skin, good for your insides - outsides, and apparently yeast infections. I also have been adding it to my dogs water bowl and it has cleared up her horrible skin (which i have spent HUNDREDS of dollars at the vet's office trying to cure). I have been in AGONY the past 24 hours with this horrible yeast infection. I get one atleast every other month and I always use that stupid, expensive monistat or vagisil. They are messy and unsuccessful in easing the pain. This morning I hopped on earth clinic, and sure enough ACV was the cure. I put some on a wet washcloth and held it on my lady area for about 3 minutes. It burned like hell at first, but it worked!! I'm going to soak in the bath now, as I'm sure that will be much relief as well. I have had problems with 'yeast' since I was a teen. I have been on those "Nature's Cure" yeast pills, but they aren't really helping. I'm going to start taking acidophilus pills cause I heard that they are great. I love you earth clinic!!! i just want to smother you with hugs and kisses!! thank you so much for the relief.

Garlic

Posted by MsB (Rosenberg, Texas) on 10/21/2008
★★★★★

I must be honest, I was really scared to try the Garlic Clove, but i figured, what harm can it do. I peeled a piece of fresh garlic, and cut it in half (vertically) and inserted into my "sugarpot". My "sugarpot" began to feel much better! In the morning, I had no symptoms. Im going to do it again to make sure that the yeast is gone. But It really really works, Thanks to all who posted feedback, it has really helped!

Apple Cider Vinegar and Salt

Posted by London (Sandusky, Ohio ) on 10/13/2008
★★★★★

You know, I was skeptical about using ACV in the tub, but I was so desperate last night at 2AM, (couldn't sleep cuz of the itching), I tried it. Every time I clean the area with just plain old water when I have a yeast infection, I feel better for about an hour, and than the itching returns. I figured people were saying ACV in the bath works, because, they are washing the area and of course it's going to feel better afterwards. But, after trying it last night, I swear to God, it did something, because it has been 24 hours, and the itching and discharge has apparently ceased. I soaked with a quarter cup iodized salt and a cup ACV, and filled the tub up to wear my legs were submerged. I was concerned the vinegar may be too diluted. There was a distinct smell to the water, so I figured I put enough in there. It worked. I'm going to do it again tonite. Thanks Guys!!!

Tea Tree Oil

Posted by London (Sandusky, Ohio) on 10/08/2008
★★★★★

Tea Tree oil is excellent for yeast infections. For years I suffered with Chronic, re-occurring, will not go away no matter what I do, yeast infections. It was God awful, the most uncomfortable feeling ever. Sometimes Monistat would not always work for me and I would have to buy a tube 3 times a month. This gets expensive. It seemed like every time I had sex I would get one. I would have to abstain for weeks at a time, battling these yeast infections. Men just do not understand. Even if I wore the wrong underwear, or do ANYTHING, I would get one.

I tried everything. I read somewhere that soaking a tampon in tea tree oil and inserting overnight for three nights, would cure it. I don't normally use tampons, so I grabbed an eye dropper and filled it halfway, about 3 or 4 drops of tea tree oil, and put it in there. It burned severely, so, being a fan of Castor oil, I put a large dropperfull of that in there, also, and it lessened it tremendously. You have to combine both, or it will, burn you, and be highly uncomfortable. Do this, for two nights and I promise you will get results. You can get a good sized bottle of excellent quality tea tree oil, that will last you a long time for $10. Also good for any fungal infections on the skin.
Cheers

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Amanda (Atlanta, Georgia USA) on 10/04/2008
★★★★★

i suspected i might have a yeast infection or some sort of imbalance in bacteria. it has been burning and itching for days! i just got out of the bath and cant believe how calm it feels 'down there'. i put 1 3/4 cups of apple cider vinegar (the store brand) into a tub of warm water and let my body soak for a good 30 minutes. i also put in 3/4 epsom salt. i feel so much better because i had been in pain for days. i feel like i can walk normally now! i also have severe total body eczema so it helped calm the itching quite a bit. ladies just give it a try!